Life Tribute – Susan Bonomini

Susan Bonomini

Susan Bonomini, born to Louis and Elvira Bonomini, and the youngest of ten siblings, Bob (Donna), Maria (Loran Briggs), Jimmy (Kathy), Louise (Byron Craighead), Louie (Diane), Carl (Jeanne), David, Alan (Julie), and Kenny (Roxanne), passed away quietly at home near Susanville on April 27, 2021, at age 61 after a valiant struggle with cancer.

Susan was born and raised in Eureka, California, discovering a passion for horses at a very young age. This continued throughout her life extending into a love for the outdoors – kayaking, hiking, backpacking, snow skiing, golfing, scuba diving, and many outdoor activities eventually meeting the love of her life and best friend, Jay Dow, while gathering cattle in Red Bluff. Her thought of not becoming a rancher’s wife 24/7 quickly led to long hours working cattle, baling hay at 3 a.m. (she insisted on a new air ride seat and a satellite radio), driving her own skid steer and side by side, and most remarkably saving many sick calves (often in her living room).

Susan’s 30 year career as a nurse was at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Eureka. Everyone she touched with her warm, caring hands could feel her love and compassion. While there, she built many lifelong friendships. Her lifetime was filled with competitive card games, reunions, and travel. She never lost touch with those whom she considered friends and family.

A passionate gardener, Susanville presented numerous challenges; yet she persevered accepting the idea that she could and would have to spend time (workshops and books on local plant varietals and soil) and energy to grow fresh vegetables (especially tomatoes for Jay), a variety of fruit trees, and a beautiful flower garden including her roses. She thoroughly enjoyed trips to Martin’s nursery just down the road each spring for replenishing her plants and expanding her garden.

Susan had many interests included quilting, the symphony, outdoor concerts, the theater, cooking gourmet delights, volleyball and following sports, especially tennis.

In addition to her siblings and husband Jay, Susan is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, her 8 “adopted girls” (orphaned heifers she raised at her house) and her horses Sage and Sienna. Her many family and friends contributed to a life well-lived and a life truly well- loved. We will miss those bright twinkly eyes and spontaneous laugh.

A Celebration of Life will be held in her garden at 726-200 Mapes Lane in Wendel, California, at 3 p.m. May 21.

In keeping with her love for animals, contributions may be made in Susan’s name to:

Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care 1551 Al Tahoe Blvd. South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Website of the donation page is www.ltwc.org/donate

“We are just passing through, our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love … and then return home.” Aboriginal proverb